I strongly agree. Penrith's success lies with their juniors.
I assume Penrith's junior academy operates similarly to Melbourne's coaching staff in developing players, and it's undeniable that Bellamy has been extremely successful in elevating lesser known players to some solid NRL players. Melbourne's coaching systems are so robust that they feature NRL development coaches for each affiliated team. A recruitment team oversees talent identification and scouting, supported by a Training and Logistics Manager. They also have a Director of Performance, along with separate coaches for Strength and Conditioning, all working cohesively with each Head and NRL Development Coach.
I've already touched on John Donahue. Aside from Fitzgibbon, who is renowned for his defensive coaching, specialised wrestling coaches with MMA backgrounds are a trend seen across the top clubs in the NRL. Penrith has incorporated these coaches, significantly impacting their defensive capabilities. Their former wrestling coach is now credited with the Bulldogs' turnaround in defense (he was also at the Rabbitohs in 2014) and the Warriors even had a UFC fighter as their wrestling coach last year.
These coaches provide several benefits. They teach advanced techniques that neutralise attacking plays and limit opposing player movement, creating a significant tactical advantage. Their methods enhance defensive coordination, delay fatigue and preserve energy, allowing players to maintain peak performance throughout matches. The training also builds resilience, stamina and strength through intense drills, enabling players to execute plays more effectively and recover faster during critical moments of the game. There's a wealth of information available online regarding these advantages.
Ultimately, the integration of these roles not only ensures that players are physically prepared but also reinforces the effectiveness of the coaching systems, leading to better strategic execution and on field success.